The Altapass Orchard – 10min – located just off the BRP at MM328; multiple easy trails through the beautiful orchards with lengths up to 2miles (loop).

Riverside Park – 10min – downtown Spruce Pine on the North Toe River, beach area for swimming, fishing or picnicking; paved trails along the river and playground for kids.

Chestoa Overlook – 10min – located at MM320 on BRP; very flat, easy loop with great views of Table Rock mountain across the gorge.

Overmountain Victory Trail – 10min – easy 1mile out & back with a small waterfall (note, there are several trailheads along the OVT; another is accessible just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Altapass Orchard)

Linville Falls – 20min – enjoy an easy-to-moderate hike from the Visitors Center with multiple views of the falls (more strenuous hike to the Plunge Basin at base of falls)

Linville Gorge Wilderness Area – 20-45min – multiple, longer, more strenuous trails for the more experienced hikers; includes Table Rock & Hawksbill mountains across the gorge.

Crabtree Falls – 30min – MM 339 on BRP, moderate 1mile (each way) hike to the falls; the full loop hike 2.5miles and is more strenuous than the out-and-back.

Upper Creek Falls – 30min – gorgeous falls just off NC181; moderate hike with multiple swimming holes and natural waterslide; do not climb onto rocks at the upper falls.

Wilson Creek Wilderness Area – 30-45min – multiple trails of varying lengths; several beautiful falls & swimming holes all located of Forest Service Road 464 (long, gravel road).

Flat Rock Loop – 30min – MM308 on BRP, easy ¾ mile loop with outstanding views from rock outcroppings.

Beacon Heights – 35min – MM305 on BRP, moderate 2mile (r/t) hike with incredible views from rocky top.

Linn Cove Viaduct – 40min – at MM 304 on the BRP, this is the iconic bridge featured in all BRP publications; park in one of the designated pull-offs to access trailheads in either direction, including the Mountains-to-Sea trail (trails are moderate to strenuous).

Grandfather Mountain – 45min – the park requires an entrance fee and features mile-high swinging bridge, wild-life habitats, museum and multiple trails of varying distance/skill level; free access via the Profile Trail (very difficult) but hikers must complete & carry a permit with them.

Julian Price Park – 45min – MM297 on BRP, offers multiple length hiking trails, canoeing, fishing & picnicking; be sure to visit Hebron Falls for some fun bouldering while here.

Moses Cone Manor – 50min – MM294 on BRP, this historic property features a museum/art gallery, home tour & easy trails.

White Oak Creek Falls - 35-40min - off NC80, this is a short, easy hike with a nice pool to cool-off in the summer. Great add-on with Roaring Creek Falls below.

Roaring Creek Falls – 45-50min – just off NC80, this easy 2mile (r/t) hike will take you past some historic buildings to a beautiful waterfall.

Mount Mitchell – 45-50min – MM355 off BRP, this is the highest mountain peak east of the Mississippi River at 6684ft; no fee to use the trails, which vary in distance and skill level.

Roan Mountain – 45-50min – on the TN/NC border & part of the Appalachian Trail, easy hike to 360° views; hike as far as you'd like along the AT (can be more strenuous).

Elk River Falls – 45-50min - off NC194, easy hike to this beautiful waterfall; DO NOT JUMP from the top NOW SWIM IN THE POOL AT THE BASE; many people have died here!

Craggy Gardens – 50min – MM364 on BRP, multiple trails of varying length & difficulty; gorgeous views and access to the Mountains-to-Sea trail in either direction.

Catawba Falls – 50min – off I-40, easy 2mile (r/t) hike through lush forest and building relics to the falls; very nice swimming hole at the base of the falls. Currently closed for trail maintenance until mid-2023.

Lost Cove Colony – 50min – this is a very strenuous 5mile (r/t) hike to an old moonshining, ghost town with lots of historic relics; worth the effort, but be sure to build-in time for the climb back up. Forest Service road to the trailhead is closed seasonally.

*REMEMBER, LEAVE NO TRACE! Take your trash with you, be respectful of wild animals

and plant life and DON'T light fires of any kind. Take photos & leave your footprints only.*